Winter go slow

 I'm hitting that time of year now where winter hibernation is setting in. It's getting harder to make myself go outside for some exercise because it's cold and rainy. I'm not going down into the basement as much (dollshouse and sewing) because it's cold down there too. I seem to be spending a lot of time wrapped up in front of the TV. Nevertheless, I have got a few things done.

The Japanese tea cup wallhanging is finished now, with the embroidered rims and all bound.  I like it even though some of the embroidery is a bit wobbly.  And I love the blues.

I also got the binding sewn onto the Envelopes quilt which is now ready to donate - Project Linus are picking it up in a few days and I hope someone might enjoy getting it for Christmas.  I like the 'train track' effect of the binding and border strip in the same colour.

The Christmas tree is now up and decorated.  We have always had a live tree, because that's what I grew up with.  But I was surprised to find a (very expensive) artificial tree in B&Q that looks real until you get up close.  We are actually contemplating buying it if it's in the sales.  It feels like selling out but would make life a lot easier and we're not getting any younger.  I used to feel that I wanted the real one because of the lovely smell of a real tree, but for several years now it seems our trees don't smell of anything unless you stick your head right into the branches.  Maybe it's been bred out of them?

I'm getting on well with the Christmas Kep hat.  This has a deep double brim, you can see the purl row which will be the fold line, so everything beneath the fold line will be tucked up inside. It's a very Christmassy knit.

This week I finally got around to this year's free Cartonnage project from Colorway Arts, which is a box with a hinged lid closed with a magnetic catch.  If desired, you could cut an opening in the top to make it a tissue box, but I didn't.  Boxmaking is such a great way to use up feature fabrics such as this charming English countryside print.

My Christmas shopping is done, I don't have a very big list so it's not a huge job.  DS is coming home for Christmas next weekend.  I hope all your preparations are in hand for the seasonal break.